25 Proven Mantras From Mark Cuban, Warren Buffett and More Money Pros To Get You Through the Coronavirus Pandemic

The coronavirus pandemic has brought on feelings of uncertainty and anxiety for many of us, especially when it comes to our finances. Having a mantra to turn to can help you to recenter, focus and ease your daily worries.

I spoke to financial pros, entrepreneurs and other thought leaders to find out the mantras they personally use to help them through rough times or uncertainty, and I also gathered quotes from other money pros I admire. Hopefully, these mantras will resonate with you and help you to navigate these new waters during the pandemic.

Last updated: May 19, 2020

1/25

Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com

Barbara Corcoran: Founder of The Corcoran Group and 'Shark Tank' Shark

“You don’t have to get it right, you just have to get it going.”

2/25

Debby Wong / Shutterstock.com

Mark Cuban: Entrepreneur, 'Shark Tank' Shark and Investor

“‘How you do anything, is how you do everything.’ [It’s] a reminder to myself to make sure to get things right and not let up.”

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3/25

Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com

T.D. Jakes: Chairman of the T.D. Jakes Foundation

“I’ve used this time to focus on three things: connect more deeply with my wife, reevaluate the things that matter most in life, and finally, to make peace with this situation, knowing that it’s not something we can change. If we can do these things, we can find value in this situation and emerge stronger than before.”

Warren Buffett: CEO of Berkshire Hathaway

Rachel Cruze: Personal Finance Expert and Ramsey Personality

“Focus on the things you can control. You can’t control what’s happening in our world right now, but you can control what happens in your home and with your finances. Make decisions based on facts, not fear.”

Chris Schembra: Chief Question Asker at 7:47

“I have a main mantra: ‘You can’t chase two rabbits at the same time; they’ll both get away. Focus equals growth.’ In a world where we have more time and creative flexibility to pursue so many new things, sometimes spreading yourself too thin won’t create financial abundance. Focus your time and effort on becoming an expert on a specific thing, and you’ll be able to monetize that expertise.”

Stephen Dalby: Founder of Gabb Wireless Kids Phone

“So much is out of our control with the coronavirus. What has helped me the most is thinking about what I can control and focusing on that. You can control what you do or do not spend money on. You can control what you focus your intentions on. You need to be [as] deliberate and intentional as you can with both your money and your time, now more than ever. When you live an intentional life, you can feel confident in your decisions — especially your monetary ones.”

Yenn Lei: CTO of Calendar

“‘I will always pay it forward.’ This means that as I have been able to reach financial success, I always give part of it back in some way to others, my community or my family. It’s a reminder that I’m grateful for those around me and those that helped me achieve financial success.”

Phil Stover: Founder of PvP.com

“’When times are tough and uncertain, double down on yourself.’ This is my own commentary, and it’s from my own experience. When going through difficult times — business or personal — it is a great time to look inward and find something that you can control that might drastically improve the situation. This leads to empowerment and a new purpose, as well as a feeling of control when everything else is out of your control.”

John Occhipinti: CEO of NatureBox

“‘Anxiety needs the future and depression needs the past, so focus on the present moment.’ There are a lot of people struggling financially right now, and I keep reminding myself of that mantra. A lot has happened that could have impacted you financially already, and the uncertainty of the future can easily stress out anyone considering his finances. I personally am trying to focus on the present and look at what I can control right now when it comes to finances. That helps me make changes today that could help my current situation, while trying not to dwell on the past or worry about the future.”

Chalmers Brown: CTO of Due.com

“My money mantra is to practice healthy spending habits. That means cutting out the fat, sugar and empty calories that come with mindless spending on ‘stuff’ that you don’t really need. Look for alternatives for necessities that may offer a better price. Always have a viable reason for each purchase. Although it’s still okay to have a ‘cheat day,’ make sure it’s not going to blow the budget.”

“‘Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.’ — Winston Churchill. Our relationship with money and our management of it is a long game. Despite setbacks or success, financial security comes from consistency to stay involved with your money.”

Steve Gickling: Founder of ETLrobot

“’I can save more money even when things seem grim around me.’ It’s important to develop a mindset around finding ways to put more money aside because it’s one of the reasons why COVID-19 hasn’t been as financially devasting to me. I have spent years creating savings, an emergency fund and other cash flow strategies to prepare for something like this. I just tell myself it’s better to have the money in the long term for all the necessities than spend it on something unnecessary.”

Jon Bradshaw: President of Appointment

“My mantra is, ‘I deserve financial success.’ It’s important to tell yourself that it’s a positive thing to have wealth and abundance. It is a sign of hard work, effort and discipline. We shouldn’t be embarrassed or ashamed if we’ve been able to generate wealth, or have to validate it to anyone.”

Brian Burke: Founder of Sell Your Mac

“‘Money will only get you so far. Having a true passion will give you purpose.’ I am passionate about empowering underprivileged students through gifting Apple technology. I believe gifting them a Mac can truly change their lives, their outlook on the world, and their future job prospects.”

18/25

David Fitzgerald / Sportsfile for Web Summit via Getty Images

John Rampton: Serial Entrepreneur

“My money mantra during this time is, ‘I can keep making money through every type of economic cycle.’ It’s a positive force that helps me get more creative in my business about where I can find unique ways to fill the demand and adapt my startup to help others and sustain the business.”

Joey Holt: COO of Amerisleep

“Even when times are uncertain, the best thing you can do with your money is to invest in yourself and your team. It’s easy for people to tightly hold onto their cash reserves, but the easiest way to pivot in these instances is investing in new tools and training that will help you capitalize on opportunities that arise from the catastrophe. While many other companies decided to lay off or furlough employees, we decided to reassign staff to other projects even as our retail stores closed. This gave us an opportunity to see how else they could excel in areas outside of their core expertise — and many have thrived given their new responsibilities.”

Stephanie Buelna-Betancourt: Founder of BUENA AI

“My money mantra is that profit is the result of good people, purpose and process. When we focus on who we get to work with, and how we better serve the world, it’s easier to withstand difficult times. We’re in this together, and we know it’s worth it!”

“‘We are all in this together.’ My husband and I have three elementary-aged kids. We know that we are not the only ones working through this new daily structure, and it important to embrace your team as they figure out how it works best for their families. And remember, your colleagues’ lives that exist outside of work is what makes them a talented part of your team.”

Jan Keys: Chief Nursing Executive of Erlanger Health System

“My daily mantra upon waking up is to remind myself to focus, soar above the fray and meet people where they are to make a difference. My prayer of focus is to look to the future and realize that the decisions that I make today will touch lives of those at this moment and those in the future; remain an elevation above the distractions and noise, keep focused on what needs to be done today to get to the intended future; appreciate that everyone is not ‘there’ yet. Meet them where they are, [and] lead [them] as a servant and guide them to a place where they can make a difference.”

23/25

Chase Brock / GOBankingRates

Desi Bartlett: Health and Wellness Teacher, International Presenter and Spokesperson

“When [my son] Cruz was a baby, I went to a child development specialist for mommy and me classes and she taught us to end all of our sentences with the words ‘for now,’ as in, ‘My baby is not sleeping…for now,’ and ‘I’m very tired….for now.’ I’m finding that ending sentences related to COVID-19 with the words ‘for now,’ is a big help. The gentle reminder that this is temporary brings me a feeling of peace and hope. So that would be one mantra that I’m working with.

Another one that I work with is simply the word ‘peace.’ In yoga, we do something called ‘japa.’ This simply means that we allow the mantra to roll over and over through the wheels of the mind. The repetition is very grounding and meditative. I send peace to the past, peace to the future, and I enjoy peace in the present.”

About the Author

With eight years of experience working in the personal finance space at GOBankingRates, Jaime Catmull has amassed an extensive network of financial influencers and experts. Now, she’s tapping that network to get the real scoop on how you can live your best financial life and increase your wealth.

The coronavirus pandemic has brought on feelings of uncertainty and anxiety for many of us, especially when it comes to our finances. Having a mantra to turn to can help you to recenter, focus and ease your daily worries.

I spoke to financial pros, entrepreneurs and other thought leaders to find out the mantras they personally use to help them through rough times or uncertainty, and I also gathered quotes from other money pros I admire. Hopefully, these mantras will resonate with you and help you to navigate these new waters during the pandemic.

Last updated: May 19, 2020

Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com

1. Barbara Corcoran: Founder of The Corcoran Group and 'Shark Tank' Shark

“You don’t have to get it right, you just have to get it going.”

Debby Wong / Shutterstock.com

2. Mark Cuban: Entrepreneur, 'Shark Tank' Shark and Investor

“‘How you do anything, is how you do everything.’ [It’s] a reminder to myself to make sure to get things right and not let up.”

Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com

3. T.D. Jakes: Chairman of the T.D. Jakes Foundation

“I’ve used this time to focus on three things: connect more deeply with my wife, reevaluate the things that matter most in life, and finally, to make peace with this situation, knowing that it’s not something we can change. If we can do these things, we can find value in this situation and emerge stronger than before.”

5. Warren Buffett: CEO of Berkshire Hathaway

6. Rachel Cruze: Personal Finance Expert and Ramsey Personality

“Focus on the things you can control. You can’t control what’s happening in our world right now, but you can control what happens in your home and with your finances. Make decisions based on facts, not fear.”

7. Chris Schembra: Chief Question Asker at 7:47

“I have a main mantra: ‘You can’t chase two rabbits at the same time; they’ll both get away. Focus equals growth.’ In a world where we have more time and creative flexibility to pursue so many new things, sometimes spreading yourself too thin won’t create financial abundance. Focus your time and effort on becoming an expert on a specific thing, and you’ll be able to monetize that expertise.”

8. Stephen Dalby: Founder of Gabb Wireless Kids Phone

“So much is out of our control with the coronavirus. What has helped me the most is thinking about what I can control and focusing on that. You can control what you do or do not spend money on. You can control what you focus your intentions on. You need to be [as] deliberate and intentional as you can with both your money and your time, now more than ever. When you live an intentional life, you can feel confident in your decisions — especially your monetary ones.”

9. Yenn Lei: CTO of Calendar

“‘I will always pay it forward.’ This means that as I have been able to reach financial success, I always give part of it back in some way to others, my community or my family. It’s a reminder that I’m grateful for those around me and those that helped me achieve financial success.”

10. Phil Stover: Founder of PvP.com

“’When times are tough and uncertain, double down on yourself.’ This is my own commentary, and it’s from my own experience. When going through difficult times — business or personal — it is a great time to look inward and find something that you can control that might drastically improve the situation. This leads to empowerment and a new purpose, as well as a feeling of control when everything else is out of your control.”

12. John Occhipinti: CEO of NatureBox

“‘Anxiety needs the future and depression needs the past, so focus on the present moment.’ There are a lot of people struggling financially right now, and I keep reminding myself of that mantra. A lot has happened that could have impacted you financially already, and the uncertainty of the future can easily stress out anyone considering his finances. I personally am trying to focus on the present and look at what I can control right now when it comes to finances. That helps me make changes today that could help my current situation, while trying not to dwell on the past or worry about the future.”

13. Chalmers Brown: CTO of Due.com

“My money mantra is to practice healthy spending habits. That means cutting out the fat, sugar and empty calories that come with mindless spending on ‘stuff’ that you don’t really need. Look for alternatives for necessities that may offer a better price. Always have a viable reason for each purchase. Although it’s still okay to have a ‘cheat day,’ make sure it’s not going to blow the budget.”

“‘Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.’ — Winston Churchill. Our relationship with money and our management of it is a long game. Despite setbacks or success, financial security comes from consistency to stay involved with your money.”

15. Steve Gickling: Founder of ETLrobot

“’I can save more money even when things seem grim around me.’ It’s important to develop a mindset around finding ways to put more money aside because it’s one of the reasons why COVID-19 hasn’t been as financially devasting to me. I have spent years creating savings, an emergency fund and other cash flow strategies to prepare for something like this. I just tell myself it’s better to have the money in the long term for all the necessities than spend it on something unnecessary.”

16. Jon Bradshaw: President of Appointment

“My mantra is, ‘I deserve financial success.’ It’s important to tell yourself that it’s a positive thing to have wealth and abundance. It is a sign of hard work, effort and discipline. We shouldn’t be embarrassed or ashamed if we’ve been able to generate wealth, or have to validate it to anyone.”

17. Brian Burke: Founder of Sell Your Mac

“‘Money will only get you so far. Having a true passion will give you purpose.’ I am passionate about empowering underprivileged students through gifting Apple technology. I believe gifting them a Mac can truly change their lives, their outlook on the world, and their future job prospects.”

David Fitzgerald / Sportsfile for Web Summit via Getty Images

18. John Rampton: Serial Entrepreneur

“My money mantra during this time is, ‘I can keep making money through every type of economic cycle.’ It’s a positive force that helps me get more creative in my business about where I can find unique ways to fill the demand and adapt my startup to help others and sustain the business.”

19. Joey Holt: COO of Amerisleep

“Even when times are uncertain, the best thing you can do with your money is to invest in yourself and your team. It’s easy for people to tightly hold onto their cash reserves, but the easiest way to pivot in these instances is investing in new tools and training that will help you capitalize on opportunities that arise from the catastrophe. While many other companies decided to lay off or furlough employees, we decided to reassign staff to other projects even as our retail stores closed. This gave us an opportunity to see how else they could excel in areas outside of their core expertise — and many have thrived given their new responsibilities.”

20. Stephanie Buelna-Betancourt: Founder of BUENA AI

“My money mantra is that profit is the result of good people, purpose and process. When we focus on who we get to work with, and how we better serve the world, it’s easier to withstand difficult times. We’re in this together, and we know it’s worth it!”

“‘We are all in this together.’ My husband and I have three elementary-aged kids. We know that we are not the only ones working through this new daily structure, and it important to embrace your team as they figure out how it works best for their families. And remember, your colleagues’ lives that exist outside of work is what makes them a talented part of your team.”

22. Jan Keys: Chief Nursing Executive of Erlanger Health System

“My daily mantra upon waking up is to remind myself to focus, soar above the fray and meet people where they are to make a difference. My prayer of focus is to look to the future and realize that the decisions that I make today will touch lives of those at this moment and those in the future; remain an elevation above the distractions and noise, keep focused on what needs to be done today to get to the intended future; appreciate that everyone is not ‘there’ yet. Meet them where they are, [and] lead [them] as a servant and guide them to a place where they can make a difference.”

“When [my son] Cruz was a baby, I went to a child development specialist for mommy and me classes and she taught us to end all of our sentences with the words ‘for now,’ as in, ‘My baby is not sleeping…for now,’ and ‘I’m very tired….for now.’ I’m finding that ending sentences related to COVID-19 with the words ‘for now,’ is a big help. The gentle reminder that this is temporary brings me a feeling of peace and hope. So that would be one mantra that I’m working with.

Another one that I work with is simply the word ‘peace.’ In yoga, we do something called ‘japa.’ This simply means that we allow the mantra to roll over and over through the wheels of the mind. The repetition is very grounding and meditative. I send peace to the past, peace to the future, and I enjoy peace in the present.”

About the Author

With eight years of experience working in the personal finance space at GOBankingRates, Jaime Catmull has amassed an extensive network of financial influencers and experts. Now, she’s tapping that network to get the real scoop on how you can live your best financial life and increase your wealth.

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